Muhammad
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Ziauddin University - Bachelors, Bachelors in Surgery/Medicine (MBBS)
Graduate Degree: Yale University - Current Grad Student, Physiology
SAT Verbal: 750
SAT Writing: 750
driving, movies, hookah
Homework Support
Immunology
Medicine
Pathology
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
SAT Subject Tests Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is that teaching should be a constantly evolving process centered around the student. My efforts go into delivering information in a manner that is easy for the student to grasp, however difficult it might be for me to deliver. No concept is too difficult, and everything can be worked through a discussion. One way delivery never works.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The first session is usually an ice breaker. We both get comfortable around each other, discuss what areas need to be focused upon, and try to work out the pace of learning and what follow-ups they would like.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Through rigorous discussion. I don't just teach, I discuss and argue a topic. I go head to head with the student. I expect the student to poke holes in my concepts and try to enable the student to do just that. I make them question things, not just accept them for what they are.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I realize when a break is needed. There are times when one just cannot study. I make sure a student is pushed when they need to be but equally make sure when they should put the books away for a little while.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I will approach it through multiple angles. I will have the student teach me the concept (what they understand of it), and then build it up or break it down conceptually. One dimensional studying never works, so I rely on videos, 3D texts, and interactive media to get my ideas across.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
We go back to the basics. I read to them and have them read back to me. I punctuate these sessions with a continuous back and forth of questions. I utilize a lot of repetitions until I am positive the student has a better grasp than they did before.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Having a clear road map of where we want to get to. Also by having regular progress reports in the form of discussions to see how far we have come or if we have reached a particular goal. I use small treats when milestones are achieved at or faster than the required rates.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
By drastically changing how they approach a subject. The two most common reasons students struggle are either they are scared of the subject or they don't feel challenged enough. I tend to turn upside down what they think of a particular subject area, and start working from there.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I use specialized note taking strategies as well as a lot of flow charts and bar charts. I also use out of the box illustrations.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
In the first session, I ask them directly where they are struggling.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I alter my pace and delivery methods according to each and every student. I pick up pace where I feel a student is cruising along but will compensate for that by spending more time where they struggle.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use flow charts, diagrams, pictures, videos, interactive media, and true/false questions.